Physician Associate - have you come across this yet?

[ConversingWithStrangers]

On Wednesday I had an appointment at the doctors due to finding a lump on my breast. However, once in the consulting room the woman I was being seen by explained that she was a Physician Associate.

I haven't come across this before and I'm curious about what people in health care think about this. (I'm in education and wondering if it's the same kind of move as HLTAs in teaching or PCSOs in policing etc.). Curious especially about how nurses feel about it, as that seems to be the area of biggest crossover.

(I was very happy with her consultation btw. She checked my breasts and referred me to the breast clinic. Only thing that felt a bit off/unexpected was that she used the word "arseholes" at one point).

That is my point.
Whoever decided someone could have two years training and be called a PA was conning everyone. It is unethical and dangerous. The PA I saw was highly trained and competent. Other people given the same title are not. How are the public supposed to know which is which?

My only interaction with a PA was one from the GP practice who was tasked with calling about my ds’ unusual blood test results. She was completely flummoxed by my “intelligent lay person” queries and it was a completely pointless call : they might as well have just emailed them to me and let me google it. As it was I had a doctor friend talk me through them and agree next steps, but not everyone that PA calls will have that kind of support.

In my GP

I am taken aback at the person who said PAs are fine to deal with potential cancer cases in GP surgeries as this is an easy issue. It is not. Lots of people attend the GP with lumps and bumps. Who do you decide need further testing for cancer? Who do you think has a minor fatty lump? And who do you think may have another issue altogether? Not easy at all.

PAs or arseholes? 🤣

I know I was agreeing with you.